In a significant development, Guwahati-based JettWings Airways announced on Tuesday that it has obtained regulatory approval to operate in 12 sectors spanning Northeast India, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar under the UDAN scheme.
The airline, a newcomer to the Indian aviation sector, is set to connect key airports including Guwahati, Pakyong, Cooch Behar, Kushinagar, Gaya, Bareilly, Kanpur, and Agra, as outlined in the company’s official statement. Speaking on the development, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer and MD Sanjay Aditya Singh said: “We are in the pursuit of bolstering regional connectivity and addressing the accessibility challenges prevalent in the country with a focused objective.”
JettWings Airways is poised to become the inaugural airline from the Northeast region to deploy fixed-wing aircraft on commercial routes this year. Equipped with modern deck turbofan regional jets, the airline has outlined an ambitious business plan to acquire and operate 42 aircraft within the first five years. “We are grateful for the trust and confidence that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has placed in our airline, and we are dedicated to maximising the impact of this award of routes and in delivering tangible results,” the airline’s Chairman Sanjive Narain said.
The strategic deployment of these aircraft is geared towards enhancing regional connectivity, fostering economic development, and elevating the overall travel experience for passengers, according to the company statement. Leveraging the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) 5.3, JettWings aims to connect significant locations, particularly tourism and religious hotspots, in the Northeast, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. With its operational hub in Guwahati, JettWings Airways aims to not only connect the region with the global aviation network but also to facilitate increased business opportunities, tourism, and cultural exchange. The airline envisions playing a pivotal role in unlocking the immense potential of the Northeast region, given its proximity to Southeast Asian countries.
“The Northeast region of India has immense potential given its proximity to Southeast Asian countries, and the government’s plan to eventually introduce the international UDAN Scheme will give a huge fillip to an airline like JettWings Airways,” the company statement emphasised. This strategic move positions JettWings Airways as a key player in regional connectivity, aligning with the government’s vision for enhanced accessibility, economic growth, and cultural exchange across these crucial sectors.
